By John Sleeper
Herald Writer
SEATTLE – Willie Hurst told the story of when he was a freshman tailback in his first football practices 4 1/2 years ago and Curtis Williams was riding him like a rented mule.
Williams screamed at Hurst. Insulted him for slacking. Tackled him with one of Williams’ patented jolting hits. Took down the then-decorated recruit a notch or two.
”I wondered why he was on me all the time,” Hurst said. ”Then I figured out that he was being a big brother to me. Curtis taught me the true meaning of being a Dawg.”
The University of Washington showed its heart Tuesday night at Hec Edmundson Pavilion in a touching memorial service to Williams, the former Husky safety who died eight days ago from complications of paralysis at 24.
Williams thought of the team and the school as his second family. And the university let it be known that Williams was, indeed, one of its favorite sons.
Friends, former teammates and former coaches sang Williams’ praises as a warrior on the field and an inspired leader off it.
The high point came when David Hodge, Dean of Arts and Sciences presented Williams’ brother David with a Bachelor of Arts in American Ethnic Studies. At the time Curtis Williams suffered a life-changing spinal-cord injury, Oct. 28, 2000, he was six classes short of his degree.
”We did it, baby!” exclaimed Al Black, sociology professor known as Williams’ favorite instructor.
The crowd, estimated at 2,000, responded with a standing ovation.
Adorned with video highlights, singing by former UW player Antowaine Richardson and speaker after speaker, the ceremony’s message was clear: Remember the grace and courage Williams showed when dealt one of life’s most unforgiving cruelties.
”Curtis is home now,” David Williams said. ”He’s flashing that smile. We should be celebrating.”
Those who spoke never failed to mention Williams’ way of coping with his paralysis. He never wanted pity. He always mentioned how proud he was of being a Husky, especially after his injury. And he always said it while smiling.
Washington athletic director Barbara Hedges said Williams taught her the true meaning of courage. UW head football coach Rick Neuheisel recalled the emotional scene when Williams appeared in what turned into an electrifyingly emotional pre-Rose Bowl locker room.
”I don’t know that I’ll ever see another locker room like that,” said Neuheisel, his voice breaking.
Former teammate Wondame Davis recalled how out of shape Williams would be in preseason workouts, yet still be the first one downfield on special teams and make a devastating hit.
”He had a nice little round gut,” Davis said, ”but he led us in tackles. He amazed us, and I’m sure he amazed the coaching staff.”
Williams’ former position coach Bobby Hauck recalled visiting the Williams family at their pecan farm near Fresno, Calif. Hauck pulled a pecan out of his pocket and said he rubs it every time he feels sorry for himself.
”It reminds me of the guts it took Curtis to face every day,” Hauck said.
It was that kind of night. The service had moments both wickedly funny and breathtakingly sad. But at all times, it thanked a warrior and a family the athletic department and the university in general will never forget.
”I’m sad that I lost a big brother,” Hurst said, ”but I’m also joyful that my big brother isn’t suffering anymore.”
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